Fact Checked
Fact Checked
This article has been fact checked by a licensed expert before publication to ensure all information provided is correct and safe.
How can I get weight loss treatments?
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical lead
Both prescription weight loss medication and the over-the-counter weight loss medication have certain criteria that are used to assess someone’s suitability for the treatment. You’ll likely be asked a number of questions and have your BMI (body-mass index) calculated.
If you come across weight loss meds that are available without a pharmacist’s or doctor’s supervision then they might not work as expected and in some cases may not even be safe. Speaking to an expert, like a doctor or pharmacist, ensures that any treatment provided is regulated and appropriate for your health. Clinicians can offer a number of different weight loss medication options through a consultation and will determine which one is most suitable for you based on your individual medical profile.
Which weight loss medications are available by prescription?
Most weight loss medications are only available on prescription in Canada. That’s because a healthcare provider needs to monitor your progress and make sure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you to take.
How to get prescribed weight loss medication
To access prescription weight loss medication, you’ll need to follow a few basic steps:
- First up, you need to speak with a healthcare provider (like a doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist), as they’ll be able to make the decision on whether weight loss medication is suitable for you.
- Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your current health and your medical history. They’ll also consider your current weight, BMI and your history with dieting and other weight loss medications or procedures you may have tried in the past. This will allow them to build a picture so that they offer you the best treatment options.
- If you and your provider agree that weight loss medication can be used to help you lose weight long-term and in a healthy manner, they’ll go ahead and help you choose your treatment.
- Once you have some treatment options, you can weigh the pros and cons of each and look at their risks and possible side effects. It’s important to make an informed decision about any medication.
- If you’ve had an in-person appointment with a doctor then you’ll need to pick up your prescription from a pharmacy or arrange for it to be delivered.
Your healthcare provider will keep in contact with you to see how your treatment is going, and to make sure that the medication is right for you. If you have any side effects or your treatment doesn’t meet your health goals, they’ll be on hand to offer support and even offer alternative weight loss medication options if needed.
What weight do you have to be to qualify for weight loss medication?
You don’t need to be a certain weight in order to qualify for weight loss medication. Instead, your BMI is used to calculate suitability. This can be different for each medicine, but most medications are licensed for people who have a BMI of 30 or above. You may also be considered if you have a BMI of over 27 and a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
You need to be a certain BMI to be prescribed weight loss medication because it isn’t suitable for people with a healthy weight and, like with every medication, there are side effects and risks associated with its usage. It isn’t sensible to take these risks if you don’t really need the treatment. For example, some weight loss treatments can leave you lacking some essential nutrients.
This is why it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the benefits of a specific treatment group outweigh the potential risks for your health.
Which weight loss pills are available without a prescription?
Certain weight loss treatments are available from pharmacies without a prescription. They’re kept “behind the counter,” meaning you must speak to a pharmacist before you can purchase it. IThey work by preventing some of the fat in your food from being broken down and absorbed by the body. Like all medicinal options, these treatments are most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.
Can anyone get this medication?
While some weight loss treatments are available without a prescription, you still need a pharmacist’s approval to use it. The pharmacist will talk to you to ensure you meet the basic criteria before you can start treatment:
- You must be over the age of 18
- Have a BMI of 28 or above
- Agree to start a reduced calorie, lower fat diet
Are weight loss medications covered by insurance in Canada?
Coverage for prescription medications in Canada is complex and depends on your insurance plan. There isn’t a single national program that covers all drugs.
- Public Drug Plans: Each province and territory has a public drug plan (e.g., Ontario Drug Benefit, BC PharmaCare) that may cover some of the cost of weight loss drugs for eligible residents, such as seniors or those on social assistance. However, public plans often have stricter criteria than the basic Health Canada approval. For example, to get coverage for some medications, you may need a higher BMI (e.g., 35 or higher), have a specific weight-related health condition like pre-diabetes, and have tried other weight loss methods first.
- Private Insurance: If you have private health insurance through an employer or a personal plan, it may cover a portion of the cost. Coverage varies widely between plans. You should check your plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) or contact your insurance provider directly to understand what’s covered.
Clinical guidelines and some public plans may also use lower BMI thresholds for people of certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., of Asian or African descent), as they may be at risk for health complications at a lower BMI.
Are weight loss pills available at grocery stores?
You can’t buy prescription or behind-the-counter weight loss pills directly off the shelves at a grocery store.
However, if the store has an in-house pharmacy, you can get medication there. You can fill a prescription from your doctor or ask the pharmacist about behind-the-counter options. The pharmacist will still need to do a consultation to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
If you find “weight loss medication” on the main store shelves, it’s unlikely they are proven medical treatments. These products often lack clinical evidence to support their claims and are best avoided. It’s always better to speak to a doctor or pharmacist to get a legitimate product under medical supervision.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Drew, B.S., et al (2007).
Obesity management: Update on orlistat. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 3(6), pp.817–821.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
Onakpoya, I.J., et al. (2020).
Naltrexone–bupropion (Mysimba) in management of obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of unpublished clinical study reports. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 86(4), pp.646–667.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Rodriguez, P.J., et al. (2024).
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Internal Medicine, 184(9).
How we source info:
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognized analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tell us what you want to hear.
Have a subject you’d like us to cover in a future article? Let us know.
Give us the inbox treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Find treatment
I'm looking for
Popular searches:
Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest on Weight Loss and more.
By clicking ‘Subscribe now’, you agree to our terms of use